A slab foundation, or slab-on-grade, is a type of building foundation where a single, thick concrete slab is poured directly on the ground to support the weight of a home keeping it strong and level. Slab foundations essentially create a flat floor surface with no basement or crawl space.
Residential Services
Slab Foundation Repair
Signs Your Slab Foundation Needs Repair
While it is true that many foundation problems happen underground, there are visible effects on the home as well. Listed below are the common effects to look for if you are likely facing a foundation stabilization issue.
- Visible cracking on the foundation
- Visible cracking on exterior or interior walls
- Sagging or slanted floors
- Gaps or separation on windows and doors
- Sticking of windows and doors
- Chimney leaning, separating, or sinking
What causes slab foundation problems?
Shifting, or Settling Soil Conditions
Two key factors that impact your slab foundation is 1.the type of soil, and 2. How well it was compacted during build. If your soil was not compacted before pouring your homes slab foundation it is more likely to shift/settle. Improperly packed soil allows more air and is prone to water seepage which weakens the foundation over time. Expansive soils, common in MI, such as clay expand when wet and contract when dried out. This causes the slab to settle, and shift compromising the stability of the home. Older homes are more susceptible to this issue due to the change in building codes over time.
Water Damage
A concentration of water can cause serious damage to your slab foundation. No gutters, plumbing, sewer leaks, or flooding are a few examples of how water damage can occur. Wet soil expands causing the soil to push and put upward pressure on a slab foundation. Concrete is porous which means water can seep in and erode the slab foundation over time as well.
Improper Grading & Drainage
Improper grading and drainage cause water to pool under and around your foundation. In warmer weather this causes the soil to expand when wet and contract when dry creating cracks and other settlement damage. In winter the water can freeze unevenly and push against your foundation causing uneven distribution of pressure, leading to strain on parts of your foundation while other remain in place. This also leads to cracks and other settlement damage.
Tree Roots
Tree roots can work their way into gaps or cracks in your slab foundation, which causes them to grow into bigger gaps or cracks and collect water through the root. A tree 30” tall and 12” wide can absorb up to 150 gallons of water per day in the height of summer. Trees water absorption can cause the soil to shrink creating additional downward pressure on your slab foundation.
Slab Foundation Repair Methods
Helical piers are the most effective and longest-lasting method for stabilizing a foundation.
What are helical piers?
Helical piers look, act and are installed like a giant screw. They consist of a steel shaft with helical blades attached, which screw into the ground providing support for your home. They have plates at the top that attach under the footer of your home’s foundation. These transfer the weight of the home to the helical piers securely anchoring your home, providing stabilization.
Installation Process
- Excavate around the foundation footing to expose the area where the piers will be installed.
- Using a specialized drilling rig the pier is then “screwed” into the ground until reaching appropriate load-bearing soils.
- Brackets are then attached to the pier shaft to securely connect to the existing footing.
- If necessary, carefully lift the home by adjusting the foundation repair brackets attached to the helical piers.
- Excavated soil is then filled back in to cover the helical piers and brackets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does slab foundation repair cost?
- The cost Kent Foundation Solutions charges to level a slab foundation varies based on the size of your house, how many steel piers we recommend, and additional factors. The best way to get the cost is to request a free evaluation and estimate.
Can I claim foundation repair on my homeowners' insurance?
- Generally, the answer is no. That’s because most foundation issues happen under the slab and are due to normal wear and tear, or natural occurrences. Homeowners insurance will cover foundation repair if the damage is due to fire, a burst pipe or sewer line, vandalism, or other extreme peril.
Why don't you do other slab foundation repair methods?
- As slab foundation repair experts, our job is to offer homeowners the most effective and proven method for repairing and leveling their foundation. Steel foundation piers, as discussed above, are just that — the best method currently available for fixing foundations that are no longer level. Other methods, such as mud jacking and foam jacking (also called polyjacking), don’t resolve the underlying issues soil and water cause. Concrete piles, which are predecessors to steel piers, tend not to go deep enough, are susceptible to water damage, and don’t provide nearly as much strength as steel piers. While these methods may be cheaper and faster to implement, steel foundation piers are much a stronger and longer-lasting solution that actually solves for the underlying problems.
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We offer the knowledge, experience, and stability of a large company with foundation services at a price point that is fair and reasonable for homeowners and business owners, because we are homeowners and business owners.